Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months. It is the time in a woman's life when the function of the ovaries ceases.

The process of menopause does not occur overnight, but rather is a gradual process. This so-called perimenopausal transition period is a different experience for each woman.

The average age of menopause is 51 years old, but menopause may occur as early as the 30s or as late as the 60s. There is no reliable lab test to predict when a woman will experience menopause.

Most of the symptoms associated with menopause actually happen during the perimenopause stage. Some women go through menopause without any complications or unpleasant symptoms. But others find menopausal symptoms debilitating, beginning even during perimenopause and lasting for years.

The symptoms that women experience are primarily related to a lowered production of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms vary widely because of the many effects that these hormones have on the female body.

Common symptoms include:

• less frequent menstruation
• heavier or lighter periods than you normally experience
• vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and flushing
• insomnia
• vaginal dryness
• weight gain
• depression
• anxiety
• difficulty concentrating
• memory problems
• reduced libido, or sex drive
• dry skin, mouth, and eyes
• increased urination
• sore or tender breasts